Healthy Living

The new year is a great time to reassess your wellness routine and figure out how to best nurture your most important asset: your well-being. Whether you set resolutions or not, this time of year serves as an important reset for identifying what your mind and body actually need to be healthy—and what better way to find out than by asking your Enneagram? In other words, rather than adding everything under the sun to your self-care list (a recipe for burnout!), we’ve narrowed down what may resonate best based on your Enneagram type for further personalization.
With this added layer of awareness, you can nourish your needs on a deeper level and give yourself the self-care you’ve been craving. As an Enneagram coach, I believe that your Type can offer a lot of insight into what your mind and body really need (because self-care should be totally personalized), so I talked with Giselle Wasfie, a doctor of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, about how to incorporate these practices into your routine. Read on to find out what wellness practice you should try in 2022 based on your Enneagram. 

Meet the expert
Giselle Wasfie, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, MSTOM, DACM,
Doctor of East Asian Medicine and Acupuncture
Giselle is a nationally board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist and doctor of traditional East Asian medicine. Giselle is also the founder of REMIX Acupuncture + Integrative Health, which is based in Chicago.

Splurge on more massages or try self-massage
Type Ones are rational, disciplined, and hardworking. They also put a lot of pressure on themselves to do things right and to do things well. Because of their perfectionistic tendencies, they may have a hard time relaxing and can experience tight shoulders and neck muscles as a result. Wellness practices like massages or cupping are important to reduce stored tension. Cupping is an ancient therapy that can be especially beneficial for Ones. “It takes the weight off your shoulders both literally and spiritually, allowing you to let go of pressure and move through the world with more ease and lightness,” Wasfie explained. Getting regular massages not in your budget (because same)? Try a self-massage by picking your favorite essential oil and working through any tight spots on your neck and shoulders before bed or when you need a reset.

Eat more mindfully
Twos are caring and big-hearted, tending to push their needs aside to be there for others. Being mindful about eating habits can help Twos prioritize their own well-being and receive nourishment when they give so much. We’re all guilty of scarfing down a quick lunch when there are important things going on, and Twos might find themselves doing this quite often or might overindulge in sweets and comfort foods because they’re not giving themselves comfort in other ways. Try to eat more mindfully by looking at each meal or snack as a meditation: close the laptop, put down your phone, and spend time enjoying each bite. Also try more principles of intuitive eating like treating food as self-care or identifying engrained food rules.

Use breathwork when you feel stressed
Threes are ambitious and adaptable. While pursuing their many goals, they can also overwork themselves and seek approval. Taking a (literal) breather from the hustle helps this fast-paced type stay grounded and connect with themselves so they can make sure they’re pursuing what’s right for them. There are many types of breathing exercises you can do throughout the day. Before a big meeting or presentation, you might try the 4-7-8 breathing technique or alternate nostril breathing to help slow down and relax the body. Or if you’re in the midst of a stressful situation or frustrated by something, box breathing can be a good strategy to help you calm down before you react. 

Experiment with crystal healing
Four Types are self-aware and sensitive, and they can get lost in their own emotional world. Crystal healing not only plays to their love of aesthetics, but it also inspires peace and balance when things feel overwhelming. You can use crystals in a variety of ways, including holding them in your hand when you need support or placing them on your desk or yoga mat to draw from their many healing properties. “Crystals can be an expression of emotions and desires, so they can especially help Type Fours express their emotions or find balance,” Wasfie said. As for where to start if you’re a newbie to crystals, she recommended clear quartzes, as they don’t retain any negative energy and can help Fours see the big picture more clearly. 

Improve your sleep-care
Fives are curious and cerebral, but they also need lots of alone time to recharge their batteries. Because they can get “in their heads” and over-rely on facts and logic, self-care is all about recharging and relaxing, and quality sleep can help them not only feel their best but also find balance. Focus your energy on sleep-care by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, have a go-to bedtime routine that helps you totally unwind from a busy day (a bath, yoga stretches, a lighthearted read, etc.), and check in with your doctor if you’re having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling well-rested during the day (because being an active patient is a key part of your wellness routine too!). 

Try more confidence-boosting workouts
Sixes are loyal and hardworking, but they tend to worry a lot about the future. To combat some of their worst-case-scenario thinking, a confidence-boosting workout can help them feel more in control. Confidence looks different to everyone, but think of a workout that pushes you while still feeling fun, like jogging an extra mile, going to a Zumba class, or trying more challenging yoga poses. Exercise is known to boost self-esteem and resilience and even promote mental clarity, and since Sixes can be quite indecisive, this can be a positive way for them to step into their power. Loyalists also love the comfort of a routine, so it’s important to pick an activity that makes you feel good that you can do consistently.

Incorporate aromatherapy
Sevens are optimistic and spontaneous, which also makes it harder for them to stay focused, slow down, or be present. Adding aromatherapy into their wellness routine is a great way for Sevens to reconnect with the present moment. Plus, they love to indulge themselves and can find a lot of joy in experimenting with different scents. Aromatherapy has many stress-reducing benefits and can be a great way for Sevens to check in with their emotional state. “The sense of smell is activated by inhalation, and scattered energy gets folded into a vivid emotion or a therapeutic moment, helping to ground and center,” Wasfie said. You can use a diffuser while you work or sleep or keep your favorite essential oils on hand for a quick inhale in the morning, before bed, or when you’re feeling stressed.

Try acupressure
Eights are confident and assertive. They want to move quickly on their goals and ideas but can become controlling and defensive when stressed. A self-care ritual like acupressure can help Eights feel more balanced and clear any emotional blockages that may manifest as anger. “If anger festers in the body, it generates heat and inflammation, which only makes a Type Eight more on edge,” Wasfie explained. “Among many other benefits, acupuncture helps the body relax to release the need for control or defensiveness.” Ask your doctor for a local acupuncturist near you, or try a practice like ear seeding for acupressure you can do from the comfort of your own home. And if you’re looking for a totally free wellness practice, you can still tap into the powers of acupressure. Apply gentle pressure to specific areas for a wide range of stress-relief and health benefits.

Set structured goals
Nines are peaceful and adaptive, wanting to avoid conflict or anything that might cause disruption in their environment. Therefore, they can fall into habits where they get too comfortable, letting their goals and priorities fall to the wayside. It’s important for Nines to stay “alert” to themselves and identify what they really want so they can take action on the things they want. While setting wellness goals isn’t always beneficial for everyone, clear intentions and structured timelines can help Nines avoid getting too comfortable and foregoing self-care. For some goal-setting inspo, check out this list of 60 resolutions to help you reach your healthiest body and happiest mind.

What Your Resolution Should Be This Year
Based on Your Enneagram More

Not to totally ruin your blissful new year high (from either the hope of a fresh start or all that champagne), but new year’s resolutions don’t historically last very long. In fact, one study found that Americans are most likely to ghost their resolutions by Jan. 17, meaning it only takes a couple of weeks for all your 2022 hopes and dreams to end up in the trash with the holiday leftovers. Sure, that’s pretty dark, but here’s the good news: In the past couple of years, we’ve learned a lot, changed a lot, and grew a lot, which also means we can break out of the endless New Year’s cycle and make resolutions that will actually last a lifetime. Maybe every year you say “new year, new me,” but in 2022, it may actually be true. And if you need help getting there, here are 10 products that will make keeping resolutions and sticking to goals easy.

Blue Apron
Meal Subscription
Is your goal to save money this year? One of the best ways to improve your financial health is to save money (and food waste!) on groceries and order less takeout. Blue Apron sends only the exact proportions you need, so you won’t have to spend money on a bunch of ingredients in order to try a new recipe (especially ingredients you’ll never use again). Also, the meals are so delicious and easy, you’ll never be tempted to order takeout (even after stressful workdays). Consider it an investment in your physical health that can help save you money. Sign up now to get $110 off across your first 4 boxes.

Sunrise Alarm Clock
If your resolution is to wake up earlier or get better sleep, the Hatch is an obvious choice. But no matter what your goals are this year, having more energy throughout the day or waking up easier will undoubtedly help you get there. This is more than an alarm clock—it’s a personalized sleep and wakeup routine, including meditations and a sunrise light. This time of year is especially hard because the sun rises later, so it’s pretty dark and gloomy in the morning. This alarm clock will mimic the sunrise to bring you optimal energy whenever you wake up to get that workout or morning meditation in and then give you energy to achieve your goals all day.

The Sport Duffle
One of our favorite hacks to work out more is to prepare ahead of time so that you don’t have an option not to. Plus, picking out an outfit or pre-workout snacks are just more items on your to-do list that can make it easier to make excuses for why you shouldn’t work out. Gym bags are an essential must-have to keeping health goals because they make it easier for you to get to the gym (or to your yoga mat, to barre class, or on a run). Packing a gym bag the night before will keep you motivated and make exercise a “must” instead of a “maybe.” This one is our favorite for the most organized, roomy, and chic option you’ll actually want to show off at the gym, office, or while traveling.

Joy Wellness Journal
Consider this journal your personal accountability buddy that will always be there for you. No matter what your wellness goals are this year, keeping track and checking in on your goals and how your body feels are crucial for keeping resolutions through 2023. With daily pages for you to list intentions, monitor your sleep, plan meals for the day, schedule time for self-care, track your mood, journal gratitude, and check in with how you feel mentally and physically, this is quite literally your one-stop shop for every wellness resolution so you can keep up with all your personal health goals.

Motivational Water Bottle
It’s so easy to forget to stay hydrated (especially when you have so many other things on your mind), so drinking more is always a resolution for us. This bottle with time stamps will help you keep track of your water intake and also keep you accountable to drink more. Need even more motivation to add “drink more water” to your list of resolutions? The body needs optimal hydration to stay energized, so if you achieve the hydration goal, you can get more motivation to achieve other goals too. This water bottle will help you get there.

Mid Rise Pocket Leggings
Yes, it’s crucial to start off the new year on the right foot, but it’s also always freezing cold, AKA you could have all the best intentions to work on fitness resolutions when the new year comes, but all you’ll want to do during the winter months is crawl into bed and hide under the covers. If you want to train for a marathon or jog an extra mile in 2022 but can’t even go for a brisk walk on Jan. 2 because it’s way too cold, I got you. This breathable fleece fabric will keep you warm until spring but won’t make you sweat on those random warmer days.

Glass Storage Set
The key to any healthy eating goal is preparation—when you have healthy options already chopped, prepped, and stocked up in your fridge, it’s way easier to throw together meals and you’ll be less tempted to order UberEats (even after long workdays). Use these chic glass containers to store chopped veggies, washed berries, cooked grains, or even mismatched meals like a stew, roasted veggies, or sauces you can repurpose throughout the whole week. Another bonus hack: When you do cook meals, always make extra to store for leftovers so you can have an easy lunch or dinner the following day without having to cook more.

Make Your Matcha Kit
If your goal is to kick your coffee addiction once and for all, matcha is the wellness world’s favorite alternative. Matcha has been used for thousands of years for sustained energy in the body and as a ceremony meant to remind us all to slow down (two things we all need way more of in 2022!), so it’s the perfect addition to your wellness routine. This kit from one of our go-to supplement brands has everything you need to DIY a frothy, delicious, quality cup of matcha. Make it the traditional way with hot water or froth some milk of your choice if you’re a latte fan.

Compendium
Weekly Reflections Card Set
So your resolution is just to be happier this year? Or maybe you haven’t had time (or interest) in setting specific resolutions and are way more interested in continuing to grow and be healthier in the new year? Pick a card (any card!) from this deck of weekly reflections and get a one-sentence affirmation and a lot of inspiration for the week ahead. Not only will reading the card to yourself instantly make you feel good, but you can also repeat the quote throughout the week for a happy reminder anytime you need one. Each card serves as an instant mood boost or motivation to keep improving yourself, AKA it’s the perfect item to make 2022 be your best year yet.

Author: James Clear
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
No matter your 2022 resolutions, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for changing your life by forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering small behaviors that lead to massive transformation. Learn how to overcome a lack of motivation or willpower, get back on track when you fall off course, and design your schedule for success. It’s an especially helpful read if your New Year’s resolutions typically don’t last past January (guilty!).

12 Hacks to Hold Yourself Accountable with Your Resolutions

This post contains a sponsored inclusion of Blue Apron, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

So you’ve swapped your favorite crop top and sandals for cozy outerwear and chunky boots (or, if you’re like me, a weekly rotation of various sweatsuits). That’s right: Winter is officially here. Just like our wardrobes, our wellness routines—from skincare to self-care to nutrition and exercise—should look different come winter. Our bodies need different things every season; the food, workouts, and self-care your body craves in winter is going to be different from what it needs in the summer. So it’s time to switch up your wellness routine to support what your body needs during colder months and shorter days. Read on for ways to help “winterize” your daily regimen for a healthy, stress-free season. 
 
Self-Care

Prioritize sleep
Now that we’re experiencing shorter days and less vitamin D than we grew accustomed to during the summer, it’s natural to feel some winter blues, AKA you may feel a little more lethargic and tired this time of year. Because there are fewer hours of daylight, the body produces more melatonin (a sleep hormone) this time of year, and chances are, your sleep habits have been affected by the time change. Instead of fighting the fatigue, think of this season as a time for rest and recovery, and adapt your self-care routine accordingly. Personally, I love winding down with a hot, candlelit bath, but if baths aren’t your cup of tea, you can also treat yourself to a fresh set of luxurious sheets, perfect your nighttime routine, or just get to bed earlier. 

Focus on relationships
Yes, even caring for yourself includes tending to relationships. Connection is an important part of a wellness routine because fulfilling relationships help improve our happiness and overall satisfaction in life. Winter is the perfect time to prioritize connection because of the holiday season, but your social calendar can extend well beyond New Year’s Eve. Make extra plans throughout every week to catch up with your mom on the phone or have a movie night in with your best friend. If cabin fever is getting the best of you, grab your sister to go for a drive or test your skating skills at an ice rink with your friend group (which also counts as exercise!). Whatever your self-care routine looks like, it should spark joy and help you reset so you can show up as your best for yourself and also for the people you surround yourself with. 
 

 
Nutrition

Ditch the raw foods and cold meals
During the summer, nothing hits the spot for me like biting into a juicy piece of watermelon, noshing on a crisp salad, or sipping on a refreshing smoothie. But when the temperature drops and we’re in the thick of winter, you may notice a change in your appetite and your body craving warm, grounding meals like soup, pasta, and warm figgy pudding. Sound familiar? With dreary weather and less exposure to sun, it should come as no surprise that we find ourselves reaching for heartier, comforting foods to boost our mood and warm up our bodies. Remember that salads and smoothies aren’t the only healthy foods. Get creative with nourishing stews, soups, and roasted veggies instead. 
 
Incorporate seasonal produce
If you don’t already know, eating in-season is so important. Luckily, winter offers many delicious, flavorful produce. For fruit, try apples, pomegranates, oranges, persimmons, and pears. As for vegetables, load up on butternut squash, sweet potatoes, kale, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and beets, just to name a few. Listen, if you can’t live without your avocado toast or love eating mangos year-round, it doesn’t mean you should ditch produce that is in season during spring or summer. The most important thing is to eat your fruits and veggies, no matter what they are (and you should always enjoy the food you eat!). Instead of replacing, think of adding winter produce. For example, top your avocado toast with pomegranate seeds or make a side dish of roasted winter veggies that will make any meal more delicious. 
 
Honor your sweet tooth
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention all the goodies that are synonymous with this time of year: cookies, apple pie, eggnog, Starbucks holiday drinks. Instead of depriving yourself of sweet potato casserole and worrying about how many calories you’re consuming from holiday leftovers, take the time to enjoy the flavors of the foods you love and focus on connecting and celebrating with loved ones. Bottom line: If you’re craving sweets more during this time of year, don’t panic. Reach for antioxidant-rich dark chocolate or naturally sweet foods like bananas and raw honey. But also indulge in your mom’s famous cookies or a cup of hot chocolate when you want to, totally guilt-free. As with any time of the year, being mindful is key, so check in consistently with how your body feels.
 

 
Exercise

Know that resting is just as good for you as movement
Whether you’re busy with work deadlines and social plans or the aforementioned winter blues have left you feeling tired all the time, workouts can easily fall by the wayside come colder weather. The thought of leaving your warm, cozy bed can deter even the most hardcore workout enthusiast, and guess what? That’s OK. If your body isn’t feeling like going on a three-mile jog or doing a HIIT class, don’t force it. Instead, move your body in ways that feel natural and nourishing, like going for a walk to get some fresh air, doing a yoga flow, or stretching before bed. Also, remember that rest is just as good for the body as exercise, so make relaxation a key part of your exercise routine if that’s what you’re craving. Your body knows what it needs; you just have to listen to it.

Adjust your favorite workouts for the weather (but get outside when you can)
Are you typically a runner who loves to hit the pavement? You don’t need to forego workouts altogether when the weather drops. Instead, try these tips to make the outdoors more bearable or hit the gym for some sprints on a treadmill. If you’re more into yoga, nothing feels better in the winter than moving your body in a heated room, so opt for some hot yoga (turning up the heat in your apartment or placing a space heater near your yoga mat counts too). Since it’s important to always enjoy the type of workouts you’re doing, adjust what you love best to be indoors while still getting outside for walks or jogs to enjoy the fresh air when you can.
 
Try hacks to stay motivated 
And if it’s lack of motivation or the continuous rotation of Hallmark Christmas movies playing that’s keeping you from breaking a sweat (same), use small tricks and tips to stay motivated to move your body regularly enough to feel healthy. For example, fit in multiple movement sessions of five minutes or less throughout the day (it adds up!), multitask like doing bicep curls while on conference calls, and don’t underestimate what a cute, new fitspo outfit can do to get you motivated to move. 

Skincare

Add more layers
Let’s face it (pun intended), our sun-kissed and supple complexions are now dry and lacking that fresh-from-a-facial look we had going for us during the summer. So what better time to hit refresh on your skincare lineup? Like any fashionista would advise when it comes to dressing for the cold, layering is your friend. And the same goes for your skincare regimen during the winter months. Add a cleansing oil into your routine, pat on an additional hydrating serum, use a thicker moisturizer, and top with a hydrating oil to seal it all in. Even if you don’t want to totally change your skincare routine season to season, a couple added basics can make all the difference. 

Try a humidifier
Many of us are experiencing dryness and irritation from all the time spent indoors this time of year. Consider buying a humidifier for your bedroom, especially if you heavily rely on central air conditioning and heating to manipulate the environment of your home or live in a dry climate—it’ll be your new best friend (goodbye, dryness!). A humidifier can help add a little extra moisture in the air while you’re sleeping and hopefully add a little extra hydration and plumpness to your skin. 

Focus on skincare from within too
While you’re at it, load your plate with healthy fats (think: avocado, wild salmon, walnuts), which can help regulate your skin’s oil production and soothe dry skin. Achieving radiant, J.Lo-like skin (talk about a major glow) is not just about what you put on it after all. It’s also about adding nutrient-rich foods to your diet.

7 Ways to Stay Your Healthiest Through Winter
According to Ayurveda More

Growing up, I never really felt the effects of daylight savings time and shorter, colder days. As a kid, my bedtime was always the same whether the sun had finished setting or not, and in college, I was always down to go out regardless of how cold it was (oh, to be young and fun again!). Now, as an almost 30-year-old with a full-time job, less energy, and more responsibilities, I’m beginning to feel the negative effects of shorter days. Since I spend most of each day in an office and don’t leave until 5 p.m., I only get a short period of sun in the mornings (that is if it’s not cloudy).
In the summer, I take advantage of the extra daylight by grabbing a rooftop drink after work, but in the winter, all I can think of doing is heading home and crawling right into bed. If you also live in parts of the world that get cold, cloudy, and dark this time of year, you could probably use a few tips to get you through to spring. Read on for the five ways I pick myself up when the winter blues are getting me down. 

1. Start a new hobby
In years past, I’ve spent the winter months becoming one with my couch, binging Netflix, and rationing the last of the Christmas cookies. Don’t get me wrong, this is still my idea of a perfect Friday night, but this year, I’ve decided to be a bit more intentional about how I spend my down time. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through my phone while lounging on the couch, I decided to pick up cross-stitching. It was one of my favorite hobbies as a kid and it’s pretty simple once you get the hang of it, making it the perfect activity to do while watching TV. Since I started a few weeks ago, I’ve been looking forward to coming home at night to work on my current project. If cross-stitching isn’t calling your name, you could also try adult coloring books, baking, reading, or a hobby for your enneagram. Feeling stuck inside isn’t so bad when you have a something to look forward to at home. 

2. Make your home cozy
Hygge is my love language, so I pride myself on having a cozy home during cold, winter months. The state of my physical surroundings can have a big impact on my mental health (for better or worse), so having a space where I enjoy spending time is helpful when cold weather is bumming me out. I focus on keeping my home tidy, lighting my favorite candles, and having plenty of blankets to snuggle up with. Even if you’re not a homebody like me, set up your home to have all your favorite things in one place and turn your living space into your own personal sanctuary. It makes another night at home much more enjoyable and you might even look forward to the sun setting at 4 p.m.

3. Wake up earlier
OK, hear me out. I know getting up at 6 a.m. isn’t easy—especially when it’s cold and the sun has barely risen—but I’ve found that starting my day earlier and getting to bed earlier helps me feel my best through the daylight savings changes. Since it’s dark by the time I leave the office, I like to work out, run errands, or just sit and read by the window in the morning so I can spend as much time as possible soaking up the sunlight. Getting more light might even help with symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, so if you work in an office or have limited windows until the sun sets, wake up a little earlier to fit in sunlight whenever you can.

4. Stay active
If you’re anything like me, your favorite place to be when it’s cold outside (or let’s be honest, any time) is in bed. The desire to be tucked under the covers at all times combined with indulging in less-than-nutritious holiday treats often leaves me feeling lethargic and in the mood to hibernate all winter. While resting and recovering are important parts of self-care and the body needs different things during different seasons (AKA if you’re feeling more lethargic this time of year, that’s OK), I know that staying active makes my mind and body feel best. Exercise is an instant mood booster and stress reducer, which we can all use when we’re feeling down during this time of year. If you’re really not feeling like getting off your couch, don’t force yourself into a five-mile jog or intense HIIT class. Instead, bundle up and go on a walk if it’s not too cold outside, do relaxing yoga in your living room, or dance around your kitchen while baking (yes, that counts as exercise too).

5. Create a Routine
It’s the middle of winter, which means the holidays are over but spring still feels so far from our reach. All the days start to feel the exact same (cold and monotonous), and it’s easy to fall into a mental health slump. When I start to feel bored, sluggish, and overall blah, I revert to my favorite morning and evening routines to keep me feeling motivated and calm. As a Virgo moon, sticking to a routine comes easily to me, but if your daily routine feels too, well, routine, try to add different practices to make your mornings, evenings, and self-care feel more enjoyable. Having a go-to routine can help decrease stress, improve your mood, and improve sleep, which are results we all want this time of year.

8 Indoor Hobbies To Get You Through the Winter More